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MPs will not be taking the mainstage at this year’s Auckland Big Gay Out, as organisers reassess how they engage with politicians at the annual Pride event.

Burnett Foundation Aotearoa, which hosts the Big Gay Out, announced that it is reviewing its approach to political engagement to prioritise both advocacy and community safety.

“Politicians are more than welcome to attend Big Gay Out, and political parties will be briefed on our advocacy priorities for the event, as well as key community and health promotion activities on the day,” the foundation stated.

“However, this year our stage is just for talent.”

Burnett Foundation Aotearoa interim general manager Alex Anderson confirmed to RNZ that politicians who regularly attend the event were informed of this decision before the public announcement.

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“We expect MPs will still be in attendance as guests, and two opposition political parties have booked stalls,” Anderson said.

The foundation’s advocacy priorities, developed in collaboration with the Rainbow Support Collective and other HIV-focused organisations, will remain central to discussions throughout the day. However, details on these issues have not yet been disclosed.

In previous years, political parties were allocated time on the mainstage to address attendees, a practice that has sparked debate within the LGBTQ+ community.

The decision to exclude politicians from the stage follows an incident at last year’s event, where Prime Minister Christopher Luxon faced protests and left abruptly. While Burnett Foundation Aotearoa did not confirm whether this played a role in their decision, the move aligns with ongoing discussions about the role of politicians at Pride events.

Labour MP and spokesperson for rainbow issues Shanan Halbert voiced concerns over the decision, arguing that Pride is inherently political.

“At a time when the current government is in reverse gear on positive change for our Rainbow communities, it’s baffling that they will be given a free pass at our largest Pride event and not have to defend their policies as has been the case for many, many years,” Halbert said.

“Pride is political. It is a chance to hold politicians to account and for each party, including ours, to put their kaupapa forward to the rainbow community. Saying that, I also respect the decision that Burnett Foundation Aotearoa have made as the event organisers.”

Halbert confirmed that Labour would be present at both Big Gay Out and the Auckland Rainbow Parade, ensuring continued dialogue with the community about policy and progress.

Government Policies Impacting Rainbow Communities

The coalition government is currently reviewing several policies that directly impact LGBTQ+ communities in Aotearoa.

  • It has signalled an intention to regulate the prescribing of puberty blockers in gender-affirming care, with public consultation underway.
  • Sports Minister Chris Bishop has instructed Sport New Zealand to update its guidelines regarding transgender inclusion in community sports.
  • Education Minister Erica Stanford has announced plans to rewrite the relationships and sexuality education curriculum for the first time in nearly 20 years.

Despite the absence of politicians on the mainstage, political discourse is expected to continue throughout the event, with MPs engaging directly with attendees, advocacy groups, and the media.

 

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